Garrett Wilson is learning to bide his time and accept his role after the Jets decided not to vote him as one of their six captains.
The start of the 2026 NFL season is almost upon us, and with that, franchises are announcing their 2026 team captains. For the New York Jets, they selected six season-long captains who will be taking a leadership role in the team, namely quarterback Geno Smith and right guard Joe Tippman as the offensive captains, linebacker Demario Davis, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips as the defensive captains, with Isaiah Williams being the special teams captain.
These captains were voted on by the players, so it’s difficult to argue that these six players aren’t the most respected guys in the locker room. But in a roster with 53 players, there are bound to be some players who will feel overlooked after being snubbed for the co-captaincy. For the Jets, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, despite looking as though he’s disappointed over missing out on the leadership role, proved that he’s a team player first and foremost by recognizing that the guys who got the nod deserved it.
“I don’t know if upset is the word. It’s more of like, we got a collection of guys that want that label. It’s one of those things where, Geno and Tipp, it goes without saying for the guys that are here, the value they bring to this team and what they mean to this team as far as getting us ready to play, ready to practice on a day-to-day basis,” Wilson said, via Polymarket Football on X.
“I’m happy to have those guys leading the charge, man. I’m always gonna be there to play my role to the best of my ability, whatever that is.”
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Jets WR Garrett Wilson was NOT NAMED a captain despite having a young roster.
A reporter was asked if he was upset.
“I don’t know if upset is the word…” pic.twitter.com/84DecM0MIL
— Polymarket Football (@PolymarketBlitz) September 9, 2026
Wilson is entering his fifth season in the NFL, and he’s spent the entirety of his career at this point with the Jets. It is somewhat understandable for him to feel a bit shortchanged after not being chosen, considering that Smith, for example, is a new addition.
But the Jets’ wide receiver is taking the high road, which should set him up to take on a leadership role down the line.
The start of the 2026 NFL season is almost upon us, and with that, franchises are announcing their 2026 team captains. For the New York Jets, they selected six season-long captains who will be taking a leadership role in the team, namely quarterback Geno Smith and right guard Joe Tippman as the offensive captains, linebacker Demario Davis, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips as the defensive captains, with Isaiah Williams being the special teams captain.